The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is an independent body that not only provides information but also regulates the quality and availability of health and adult social care services in England. Established in 2009 by unification of health and social care providers it now replaces the healthcare commission, the commission for social care inspection and the mental health act commission.
The services regulated by CQC include hospitals, dentists, ambulances, and care homes, people cared for in their own homes and those who are restricted by the mental health act.
Funded by registration fees and government aid it became effective on the 1st April 2011 which means that from this date registration with the CQC is compulsory. To be eligible for registration services must abide by government standards; failure to meet these standards could result in fines, services being unable to continue to practice, legal action or prosecution. The CQC also publish formal warnings on its website and their removal being only on compliance with improvements.
The CQC operates a registration system which provides a consistent set of standards suitable for a wide range of practices.
GOVERNMENT STANDARDS
There are 28 outcomes in the government standards although the 16 below most relate directly to all services.
- People should be involved in all aspects of their treatment and be treated with respect.
- Procedures should be in place in order to obtain consent.
- All available care should be appropriate and safe.
- All food and drink supplied should be suitable in quality and quantity.
- All healthcare providers should co-operate.
- Systems should be in place to identify risk of abuse and also in prevention of abuse
- Infection control procedures should be in place to identify risks and should include prevention and control of such risks.
- Systems should be in place for the safe management of medicines including dispensing, storage, records, handling and safe disposal
- Systems should be in place to identify the risks relating to the standards of equipment ensuring that they are fit for purpose.
10. Staff should be registered with the relevant professional bodies and procedures to monitor staff to ensure suitability.
11. All staff should be suitably qualified in relation to skills, qualifications and experience
12. Employees should be supported with adequate training, regular appraisals, and personal development.
13. The service should be routinely monitored with attention to areas such as access, and quality.
14. Effective procedures should be in place to deal with complaints
15. Effective procedures should be in place to deal with Records
INSPECTIONS
The CQC carries out regular unannounced inspections this not only ensures that qualities and standards are being maintained but highlights how well each service is managed.
Included in inspections the CQC:
- Speak to staff members
- Speak to patients
- Check adequate systems and procedures are in place
Individual complaints are not dealt with by the CQC but concerns can be raised with them further information and leaflets can be downloaded from their website.
Further Information
CQC Booklets
What standards you have a right to expect from the regulation of your dentist
Guidance about compliance summary